Internal-combustion engine



Aug. 20, 1929. w, WHEELER 1,725,385

INTERNAL COMBUSTI 0N ENGINE Filed May 31, 1923 XNVENTOR B\ C E MATTORNEY Patented Aug. 20, 1929.

WILLIAM WHEELIZR, OF BROOKLYN, NEIV YORK.

INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE.

Application filed May 31, 1923.

This invention relates to internal combustion engines, and myimprovement is directed particularly to the provision of a heatingchamber adapted to be secured to an engine cylinder to receive a portionof the fuel mixture, this chamber serving to contain the spark plug,whose points are thereby located within said chamber, instead of beingexposed wit-hin the cylinder.

IVith certain imperfect fuel mixtures, for

example when kerosene or .fuel oil is employed as the fuel, it isdiflicult to keep'the spark points clean, so that ignition is faulty,and it is to cure this fault as well as to pro- ]5 vide reliable meansfor igniting fuel mixture charges in the cylinders that my invention hasbeen devised.

In the main my invention consists of a chamber of approximately globularform,

having a hollow neck portion by which it may be introduced and securedwithin the usual threaded orifice provided in a cylinder for thereception of the spark plug.

This chamber itself has an orifice for the reception of the spark plug,whose points are thereby held within the chamber in the presence of thecharge of fuel mixture therein.

The chamber is composed of copper or other material that is a goodabsorber and radiator of heat, so that when the engine is in operation apartially isolated Zone of intense heat is created within the chamber.In consequence the combustible character of the quota of fuel mixturewithin the chamber is enhanced, which in firing has no deleteriouseffect upon the spark points. The main body of the fuel mixture withinthe cylinder then instantly receives the flaming charge from the chamberensuring its thorough combustion. 1

In order that the heated condition of the chamber may be continued foran extended period, I provide it with a spaced surrounding jacket orenvelope, the space which is thus enclosed being partially exhausted,the vacuum created serving to retain the heat within the chamber.

Also, to facilitate starting the engine from cold I place a resistancecoil within the vacuum space, insulating it from the walls, and connectit in the storage battery circuit.

Other features and advantages of my invention ,will hereinafter appear.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a vertical sectional view illus- Serial No. 642,424.

trating one form of my invention as applied to a cylinder.

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional View illustrating another form of myinvention.

Fig. 4 is a partial section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, and

Fig. 5 is a sectional detail view of a binding post.

In the form of my invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2, let 1 indicate acylinder head of an internal combustion engine, having the usualthreaded orifice 2 for receiving a spark plug. Instead, however, ofinserting a spark plug in orifice 2, I insert therein the hollow,threaded end 3 of a globular or other shaped chamber 4, whose upperportion is provided with a threaded orifice 5, in axial alignmentwithengine orifice 2. A spark plug 6 is screwed into orifice 5, with itssparking terminals located within the cham her 4. The interior ofchamber 4 is provided with a number of fins 7 that extend inwardly fromthe Wall surface.

The chamber 4 and fins 7, being composed of copper or material that is agood conduct-or of heat, serve to provide a highly heated zone in saidchamber, in the operation of the engine, so that the portion of thecylinder charge entering chamber 4 through the hollow end 3, becomesraised in temperature to a point where it is readily ignited by thespark, even though the mixture had entered the chamber in anunvolatilized state and included heavy grade liquid fuel, such askerosene or fuel oil. The ensuing effect is that of the ignited chargeshooting out through hollow end 3 into the mass of the cylinder charge,causing very complete combustion thereof to take place.

I have also found in practice that the spark points remain quite cleanand function most efliciently by reason of the high temperature to whichthey are exposed in chamber 4. v

In order that the heated condition of chamber 4 may be maintained for anextended period after the engine has ceased to function, I envelope saidchamber with an outer wall 8, in spaced relation therewith, and I createa partial vacuum in the interspace, in the manner of a thermos bottle.By this means a heated condition suitable for starting up purposes, isheld for a number of hours.

Also the chamber 4; may be provided with v a priming cup 11.

In Figs. 3 and 4 the same elements as those already described are shownand designated by the same reference numerals, excepting that thechamber 4 in this instance is provided with a removable upper portion,here shown in the form of a screw cap 4?. This is for the purpose ofhaving access to the vacuum space to insert therein a resistance coil12. The coil may be insulated by passing it through insulation blocks 13which lie between chamber 4 and outer Wall 8, being lodged upon lugs 14.The coil, which may be included in the storage battery circuit, is shownwith one terminal grounded at 15, and the other terminal connected witha binding post 16 entered in an insulation plug 17 in the outer wall 8.A gasket 18 between the cap l and the top of walls 4 and 8 effects anair tight joint.

In starting up the engine from cold, a

flow of current through the coil quickly generates sufficient heat inchamber 4 to permit firing the charges.

A lining 19 of insulation material may be provided at each side of thecoil to prevent contact with the Wall.

Variations within the spirit and scope of my invention are equallycomprehended by the foregoing disclosure.

I claim:

In combination, a heating chamber having means of communication with acylinder of an internal combustion engine, said chamber provided withspark plug reception means a spark plug engageable with said receptionmeans to expose its Working gap within said chamber, said chamber beingjacketed to provide a surrounding vacuum, and electrical resistancemeans contained between the chamber and jacket for preheating purposes.

Signed at the borough of Manhattan in the city, county, and State of NewYork this 29th day of May, A. D. 1923.

' WILLIAM WHEELER.

